Beets are traditionally used as laxatives. They are taken usually in the morning. Two pieces of small beets should be enough to stimulate a bowel movement usually before the day ends just after a few hours after eating the beets. This is one of the most effective folk constipation home remedies.
Licorice
Licorice is a popular herb known for its laxative effect. To use it to relieve constipation, drinking a licorice tea before each meal is a successful method in stimulating bowel movement. Although constipation is experienced by pregnant women all the time, it is not advised for them to drink licorice tea because of the danger of premature delivery.
Molasses
Another effective remedy against constipation is the use molasses. One to two tablespoons of molasses is added to warm water or to a hot breakfast cereal. This will also stimulate bowel movement.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the constipation remedies that have been used by many hospitals and medical facilities as a nursing intervention to relieve constipation. To use against constipation, a teaspoon or two of castor oil can be added to water or other fruit juices. Castor oil is a natural emollient and it works in a way that the lining of the intestines is moistened to allow smooth passage of stools. It also acts as a laxative since it stimulates the intestine to pass stools. However, castor oils should not be used regularly since it also causes discomforting side effects such as nausea and painful abdominal cramps. Too much use of castor oil also leads to diarrhea.
Apple Juice
Apples contain minerals and vitamins that can help clean the intestines. Apple juices are combined with other fruit juices to get good results in relieving constipation. According to an expert, a pear juice and apple juiced combined in equal amounts is a good remedy for mild constipation. Drinking the apple-pear fruit juice upon waking up and before bedtime is effective in moving bowels.
Apple and prune juice, however, can help in chronic conditions of constipation. The two fruit juices will have an increased laxative effect. They might cause stomach pain but they are effective in stimulating the bowels to pass out stools. Drinking two to three glasses of prune juice just before eating breakfast and then a glass of apple juice at night time will yield a positive result in cleansing the bowels.
Lemon Juice
Drinking lemon juice everyday during breakfast is a great way to cleanse the body, not only the digestive tract but the body in its entirety. That is because lemons and other citrus fruits contain lots of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and potassium, which have detoxification effects in the body.
Final Word On Constipation Remedies
These remedies are great ways for constipation but since these are traditional treatments, they may cause other unknown side effects. Therefore there should be a limit in using these remedies. There are more constipation remedies that are convenient for households but it is still best to consult a doctor if constipation persists.